BOOK: I was a rat by Pullman

[Frederick Muller <fmuller@TELLURIAN.NET>]

Pullman, Philip._I was a rat_,2000 [0-375-80176-6]
This book is a riot!  It is full of adventure and wit.  One day a young
boy turns up at a childless couple's door saying, "I was a rat."
They lovingly take him in and try to do the best for him but he gets
taken away and then runs away several times.  He doesn't know
the ways of the world and is very trusting.  This part of the book
reminded me of Pinnochio.  At the start of each chapter is a
newspaper front page from the "Daily Scourge."  These are
incredibly witty -- I laughed out loud at several of them.   The end of
this 164 page story wraps up with a logical conclusion to the boy's
past history centered around a fairy tale.  I don't want to ruin the
surprise.  This book reminded me a lot of Napoli's "Frog Prince"
and will be going on my "favorites of all time list."  It is such a
refreshing change of pace from the many heavy fairy tale
adaptations of late. Don't miss it!

***************
Frederick Muller
Halsted Middle School Library
59 Halsted Street
Newton, NJ   07860
   voice (973) 383-7440 ext 228
   FAX (973) 383-7432
My book reviews are compiled at:
  http://www.halsted.org/br.htm
My personal web site is:
  http://users.tellurian.net/fmuller

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